LAKEPORT—On Tuesday at approximately 7 p.m., a Lakeport Police Department sergeant was dispatched to a burglary in progress at the Natural High School Building, owned by the Lakeport Unified School District, in the 800 block of North Main Street. A witness had called dispatch and advised that she saw a male subject break into the building and then leave the area in a white Ford F-150 pick-up truck.

(Courtesy of Lakeport Police Department)Robert Monthei

According to information made public by the department, the sergeant responded to the building and began checking it when he heard banging noises coming from the inside. He then located an open door and began making entry where he located a male subject inside and saw him set something down which was later identified as a crowbar. The man also had another crowbar in his right pants pocket.

The man was arrested and identified as Damon Robert Monthei, 22, of Lakeport. During an interview, Monthei admitted that he intended to take things when he got into the building.

The sergeant continued his investigation and located the suspect’s white Ford pick-up a short distance away from the scene.

Law enforcement officials noted that It is unknown at this time if this suspect is connected to other recent burglaries but we are investigating all possibilities. They added that they thank the alert citizen for calling this incident in and would like to remind the public to report all suspicious activities and persons.